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Located: on a curve of the Mekong River.
Total area: 3,920 square kilometers.
Population: 610,000.
09 Districts: Chanthabouly, Sikhotabong, Xaysettha,
Sisattanak, NaXaithong, Xaythany, Hadxaifong, Sangthong
and Parkngum.
Capital: Vientiane.
Hotels in Vientiane Capital
In 1563, King Setthathirat made Vientiane (in Lao
language Vieng Chan) the capital of the kingdom of Lane
Xang . The two most important Wats of Vientiane, Wat
That Luang and Wat Phra Keo date back to that time. In
1827 Vientiane had been conquered and sacked by a
Siamese army. For decades the town lay in ruins, until
the French, at the beginning of their colonial reign
rebuilt it. However, Vientiane today does not feature
French-influenced architecture to the same extent as
Phnom Penh and Saigon . Instead there is a strong Thai
influence. With barely half a Million inhabitants
Vientiane is the smallest capital in Southeast Asia
(except for Bandar Seri Begawan of Brunei ).
Tourist Sites in Vientiane Capital
That Luang (the Great Sacred Stupa): This stupa, built
in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, is said to contain
relics of the Lord Buddha himself and is the country's
most cherished religious monument.
Laos largest Buddhist festival of the year is held here
on the full moon of the 12th month of the Buddhist
calendar.
Open daily: 08.00-16.00 daily, except Mondays and
holidays.
Patuxay (Victory Gate): Centrally located on Lane Xang
Avenue, this monument was built in the 1960 commemorate
those who died in past wars. The monument was modeled
after the Arc de Triumph in Paris, yet retains its
Laotian identity with traditional decorative motifs.
Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Open daily: 08.00-17.00
Vat
Sisaket: Built in 1818 by King Anouvong and having
survived the attacks by the Siamese, this is the oldest
standing temple in Vientiane. It is also one of the
oldest monasteries in the country and houses many
important documents and treasures, including 6.840
Buddha images.
Open daily: 8.00-12.00 / 13.00-16.00
Hor
Phakeo: This building, originally built in 1565 as a
personal place of worship for King Sayasetthathirath,
housed the Emerald Buddha (Pha Keo) before it was taken
to Bangkok by the Siamese in the 19th century. Today it
is a museum, which holds one of the most extensive
collections of Buddhist artifacts in the country.
Open daily: 08.00-12.00 / 13.00-16.00
Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park): This park, conceived in 1958
under the direction of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a
Laotian monk, hosts a collection of larger-than-life
sculptures that merge Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The
park is located roughly 24 km south of Vientiane ,
across from the town of Nong Khai (Thailand) where
Bunleua later erected a similar pantheon of sculptures.
Open daily: 08.00-16.00 daily, except Mondays and
holidays.
Talat Sao (Morning Market): Consisting of three main
buildings located in the centre of town on Lane Xang
Avenue opposite the post office and central bus station,
this extensive market carries mostly durable goods,
ranging from Lao handicrafts, textiles and jewellery to
imported household appliances.
Open daily: 07.00-16.00
Mekong Promenade: Take a stroll along the Mekong river,
watch the sunset, enjoy barbeque and Beer Lao on the
river’s edge, get a workout in evening aerobics, go
shopping or simply watch people pass by: this pleasant
stretch of the Mekong in central Vientiane has a little
something for everyone.
Lao
National History Museum: This museum, which was
originally built in 1925 as the French governor’s
residence, presents the history of Laos , highlighting
the people’s struggle to free the country from foreign
occupiers and imperialist forces. Located on Samsenthai
road, opposite the Cultural Hall.
Open Monday-Friday: 08.00-11.30 /14.00-16.30
National Ethnic Cultural Park: Located 20 km south of
Vientiane, near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, this
park features cultural exhibits, statues of Lao literary
heroes, models of traditional Lao houses, a zoo,
children's playground and restaurant with relaxing
seating along the banks of the Mekong river.
Open daily: 08.00-18.00
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Source: Lao National Tourism Administration
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